2. analog
  3. 1204584949

Got a New CD Player and Now I'm Bummed

Hope to get some help here...I recently added an Esoteric X-03SE to my system the details of which you can see here. I've always been a huge fan of vinyl and have a large collection--many more LP's than CD's. The problem is my digital front end is now WAY better sounding than my analogue set up. (My last CD player, a Naim CDX2, was about on par with my table--better in some areas, not as good in others). I'm finding myself listening to many more CD's while my LP's are dying for attention. I never thought this would happen to me! So, now I'm faced with upgrading my analogue to the point of parity (or better?) with my digital. (Wierd, right?). I could use some suggestions. One limiting factor is the overall height of the new analogue set up cannot be much taller than what I have since it needs to sit on a wall mount shelf that fits inside our entertainment center. So, I need a table/arm/cartridge set up that sounds DRAMATICALLY better than my Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XM but doesn't need a ton of head room. What do you think I need to spend to get significantly better performance than what I have already? What would you all suggest for a new analogue front end? I'm thinking a Scoutmaster, Sota Cosmos or perhaps going back to an LP 12 with works. Ideas? Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
restock
831 posts
 
I feel that the next level up for the Scout in analog is probably the biggest improvement. I spent many years with several very good turntables (Scout, Michell Tecnodec, P3, Linn Basic) but was never completely satisfied on all account in comparison with digital. And I agree - my friend's esoteric is awfully close to his Scoutmaster, Dyna 20XM setup.

If you are looking for a compact table (which I did) the DPS turntable from Germany would be my contender even if the price has gone up quite a bit due to the Euro/US$ exchange rate. Another important step as Ejlif has pointed out would the cartridge and phonostage. I find that my Lyra Argo with JLTI phono contributes as much as the table to the improvement in my analog setup.

Now Esoteric, Meitner, etc doesn't even come close to my analog setup anymore in all areas; Realism, speed, detail, top-end extension, bass extension and control, layering of the soundstage and instrument separation.

Finally, I agree that the place for your turntable is not ideal and would be the first thing to change; the compact 60lbs DPS table may even be too heavy on that shelf anyway. If you change the location, you can also consider several other good tables: Galibier, Teres, Verdier, etc.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
Well its got to do more with the character of your cartridge in my opinion.. I would suggest an even better cart, and look at ones that supposedly have a more opposite character to the one you have, might be the CD player is not as dark sounding and warm as your previous, or vice verse, maybe more presence so to speak, so I suggest maybe trying a cart with better jump factor, and then you will not be so bored with it. I have no experience with your dyna cart, but I am sure many will get you a totally different tone to match up better or exceed your new CD player. I can say if you want a very strong rock sounding cart, very clean, tons of raw dynamics to match the best of CD players, look at the Ortofon line, kontrapunkt series and even the Jubilee. By way almost every MOFI half speed or 33 I have owned have always been pretty DUll sounding, not a good indicator vs. using some better standard vinyl recordings.
glory's avatar
glory
1,616 posts
 
Sell the CDP and move up in your vinyl setup. =8^)

Ejlif has some wisdom here. Dyna XV - 1S and a EAR 324 or one of the better Phono amps will do the trick.

Liste to Restock as he also has wisdom.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Sorry to go the other direction but upgrade your preamp, my friend upgraded to an ARC LS25 from your SP16 and it was a huge upgrade in soundstaging depth and width; and, then get a good phonostage.
If you change tables, your phonostage will still really be holding you back. You could get a Dynavector phonostage P75 Mk1 or Mk2 and use the Dynavector enhanced mode with your cart which should elevate your system quite a bit for very little money and space. I have heard good things about the EAR phonostage suggested also.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
The very first thing I'd do is get a VPI SDS power line/speed controller for the Scout.

No offense, but I wouldn't play my vinyl much if I had to reach that high to change a disc. You must be pretty tall :-)
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